Lab Activity Effect of Sunspots on Satellites (Claims Evidence Reasoning Task)

A short lab activity for astronomy or earth space science. Students make a double line graph of the number of sunspots and the number of crashed satellites in a given year. Then they look for patterns and write a science conclusion utilizing claim, evidence, reasoning scaffolding framework.

Grading rubric and sample student responses are included

This lab activity blends well into a unit on electromagnetic waves, planetary mechanics, or the Sun's influence on Earth.